A personalized Delhi city guide around Delhi with information and insider tips on what to see, how to travel, best shopping places, art of bargaining, what to eat, what stands out, festivals, fairs....and more

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Thursday, October 24, 2013

Udbhava – A treasure trove of natural fibre products in Delhi

Products from banana fibre, hibiscus
fibres, jute, sisal, ram baas, nettle are some of the fibres woven into an
astounding array of products. Each product carefully designed, aesthetic, with
some excellent colour combinations. These natural fibre products are the toast
of the town for lovers of eco friendly article. Welcome to Udhbava, a little
nook tucked into the bylanes of the busy South Extension Part I near the famous
Gummad. Run by the husband and wife duo V.V.Sukhathirtha and wife S.Sudha. The
couple stock their products in their home and are active in the exhibition
circuit starting October onwards. Be it Dastkar, Christmas Carnivals or Melas organized
by the various embassies. What stands out in their products is the innate
knowledge and passion that Sukhathirtha has about natural fibres. A passion
which transcends commercial calling.

Specialising in banana fibres, there is
banana fibre woven pieces worked in tandem with cane, cane, coir and banana
fibre, They also deal in fabrics woven out of these fibres. The range of the
fabrics especially in dual shades and tie and dye is extremely eye catching. In
the last few years, they have moved to creating value added products using a
combination of these fabrics from natural fibres with cane. Fibre boards,
moulded pieces, small gifting items like books, pen stands, holders… Another
interesting range uses handmade paper for some extraordinary pieces. Korai
grass mats are again popular. It is also teamed with leather and cotton
fabrics.

If you are an ardent lover of alternate
fibres for everyday use, Udbhava is the place for you. The banana fibre woven
into fabric can be put into some extremely interesting uses be it as a front
for a door to a cupboard. Go and meet the couple and indulge in shopping
therapy which is good for the environment! Since Sudha deals with SHGs to
source her fibres and raw material and a couple of NGOs to convert it into
finished products, the money goes for a good cause too!